275B.001 Spring 2013 The Middle Ages

History
275B.001

An introduction to the history and historiography of Europe and the Mediterranean c. 300 – c,1500, emphasizing broad patterns of change and key interpretive debates. Themes include the end of the ancient world and the character of early medieval societies; political transformations east and west over the central Middle Ages; economic expansion and urban development; changes in ecclesiastical institutions and religious cultures. Students should expect to read and analyze c. 500 pages of monographic writing per week, preparing cogent notes and argument summaries. Requirements also include active, mature, and courteous participation in discussion; several presentations across the term; and two short essays akin to those expected of medieval history students in their screening examination.